Unscripted TV camera bootcamps 2025-2026

Whether you’re working as a researcher, assistant producer or producer/director in unscripted TV, confidence behind the camera is essential.

Over two intensive days, you’ll develop practical, real-world shooting skills with the Sony FX3 and FX6 — learning how to set up and operate the cameras, light and record interviews, capture creative B-roll, and plan sequences for the edit. You’ll also explore how AI tools can support pre-production and filming workflows, and how to troubleshoot challenges on location.

Training is delivered in small groups by working industry professionals with extensive broadcast credits. Each bootcamp includes a post-course 1:1 review session with your trainer and access to an online Padlet of resources, tips and opportunities.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the technical knowledge and confidence to deliver broadcast-ready content, whether you’re stepping up from Shooting AP to PD or expanding your self-shooting role on productions.

This training programme is funded by the Screen Skills Unscripted TV Skills Fund which invests in training for the unscripted workforce thanks to contributions from broadcasters, SVoDs and production companies. 

Who it's for

We’re looking to recruit 120 delegates from across the UK.

This training is particularly aimed at researchers, APs, and PDs currently working in unscripted TV with some self-shooting experience who are looking to expand and refresh their skills.

We are also open to applications from those who work in editorial and are looking to improve their confidence and technical camera skills

This training programme will run across several regional cohorts. Each cohort will consist of 2 in-person training days.

Please only apply for the one closest to where you live or intend to work:

• Birmingham: 7th & 8th October 2025
• Glasgow: 17th & 18th November 2025
• Sunderland: 20th & 21st November
• Brighton: 9th & 10th December 2025
• Belfast: 13th & 14th January 2026
• Derry: 15th & 16th January 2026
• Edinburgh: 2nd & 3rd February 2026
• Manchester: 5th & 6th February 2026
• Plymouth: 2nd & 3rd March 2026
• Cardiff: 5th & 6th March 2026
• Bangor: 13th & 14th April 2026
• Cambridge: 16th & 17th April 2026

We always welcome applications from under-represented groups, including, but not limited to: those from minority ethnic groups; disabled people; people from the LGBT community and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

This programme is heavily subsidised by the Unscripted TV Skills fund, with an additional £100 fee to be paid by each delegate.

Bursaries and travel support are available to ensure the training is accessible to all. Please contact charlie@eyefilm.co.uk for any enquiries about these bursaries before or at the same time as submitting your application.

If you would like support completing the application form and/or would like us to send it to you in an alternative format, please email USF@screenskills.com

What it covers

• Sony FX3 / FX6 deep-dive (setup, exposure, white balance, Cine EI)
• Interview lighting and sound setups (with and without kit)
• B-roll and sequence shooting (handheld, tripod, gimbal)
• Shooting for the edit: planning, coverage, and creative sequences
• AI tools in pre-production and production workflows
• Troubleshooting real-world location issues
• Post-course multiple-choice test and 1:1 trainer review (online)
• Access to an online Padlet with follow-up resources and opportunities

Tutors:

This course is delivered by Eye Film’s experienced production team, led by:

• Cameron Black – Lead Trainer (BBC, Channel 4, MLC)
• Andy Prosser – RTS award-winning camera op and editor
• Max Knaapen – DP and documentary filmmaker (FX6, RED, ARRI)

Each trainer brings hands-on experience across unscripted TV, commercials and branded content, and has a background in coaching and technical training.

How to apply

Click “Apply now” at the top of the page and follow the instructions to apply for your place: you must login or register before you are able to complete your application.

To apply, you must:

• Be currently working in unscripted TV (including as a freelancer) or returning from a career break.
• Have some prior shooting experience (this is not a beginner-level course)
• Be aged 18 or over and not in full-time education
• Be available for the dates of the specific session you are applying for

While most questions in the application form are multiple choice or require short answers, three questions will require a longer answer. For your preparation, these questions are: 

• Do you have any previous experience of handling kit or self-shooting? If yes, please briefly describe. (Approx. 150 words) 
• Why are you applying for this training programme, and what do you hope to gain from it? (Approx. 150 words) 
• How will this training help you take the next step in your career? (Approx. 150 words) 

You will also be asked to upload your most recent CV.

If you need additional support to complete your application or require the application form in an alternative format, please contact USF@screenskills.com

Judging information

Key Dates:

Birmingham 

• Training – 7th & 8th October 2025
• Application deadline – 28th September 2025

Glasgow

• Training – 17th & 18th November 2025
• Application deadline – 2nd November 2025

Sunderland

• Training – 20th & 21st November
• Application deadline – 2nd November 2025

Brighton 

• Training – 9th & 10th December 2025
• Application deadline – 23rd November 2025

Belfast

• Training – 13th & 14th January 2026
• Application deadline – 14th December 2025

Derry

• Training – 15th & 16th January 2026
• Application deadline – 14th December 2025

Edinburgh 

• Training – 2nd & 3rd February 2026
• Application deadline – 18th January 2026

Manchester

• Training – 5th & 6th February 2026
• Application deadline – 18th January 2026

Plymouth

• Training – 2nd & 3rd March 2026
• Application deadline – 15th February 2026

Cardiff

• Training – 5th & 6th March 2026
• Application deadline – 15th February 2026

Bangor 

• Training – 13th & 14th April 2026
• Application deadline – 29th March 2026

Cambridge

• Training – 16th & 17th April 2026
• Application deadline – 29th March 2026

We aim to notify all applicants within two weeks of the deadline for each session.